Nebraska Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s essential to consult the latest official sources and legal advice to ensure compliance. Here is a summary of homeschooling laws in Nebraska:

• Legal Basis: In Nebraska, homeschooling is governed by the compulsory education statute, which allows parents or legal guardians to provide education to their children outside of traditional schools.
• Notification: Homeschooling families in Nebraska are required to submit a written notice of their intention to homeschool to their local school district’s superintendent. This notification should include basic information about the parents/guardians and the children being homeschooled.
• Requirements: Homeschooling parents in Nebraska must provide “equivalent instruction” to what is provided in public schools. However, the specific curriculum or method of instruction is not prescribed by the state.
• Teacher Qualifications: Nebraska does not impose specific teacher qualification requirements for homeschooling parents. Parents are generally allowed to teach their own children without any particular educational background.
• Attendance: Homeschooling families must maintain records of their children’s attendance for a minimum of four years. These records should demonstrate that the child has received “regular and systematic instruction.”
• Standardized Testing: Nebraska does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students.
• Assessments/Evaluations: While there is no mandatory statewide assessment for homeschoolers, local school districts may request an assessment of the child’s progress. However, the specific requirements for assessments can vary by district.
• Special Education: Homeschooled students with disabilities are entitled to receive special education services through the local public school district. The process for accessing these services may vary, so it is advisable to contact the local school district’s special education department for more information.
• Dual Enrollment: Nebraska law allows homeschooled students to participate in dual enrollment programs, which enable them to take courses at public schools or post-secondary institutions while still being homeschooled.
• Graduation and Diplomas: Homeschooled students in Nebraska do not receive a state-issued diploma. However, parents can issue their own diploma upon the completion of their child’s homeschooling program.

Remember that this summary is not exhaustive, and there may be additional requirements or nuances to homeschooling in Nebraska. It’s crucial to consult official state statutes and contact the Nebraska Department of Education or a local homeschooling support organization for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Updated October 2023